Health outcomes at the intersection of labor precarity and gender-based violence among migrant women: Insights from a secondary analysis of a global scoping review
1
Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2714
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
There has been significant progress in studying gender-based violence (GBV) and precarious employment independently, yet there is paucity of research on their intersection and the health impacts. The objective of this secondary analysis of a scoping review was to synthesize existing literature on this intersection and the associated health impacts among migrant women
METHODS:
Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles in May 2024, with an updated search in May 2025. This secondary analysis was built on all the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the original scoping review, which focused on empirical studies including migrant women, aged 15 years and older, who self-report experiences of GBV and engagement in precarious employment. A total of 29 studies were included for analysis
RESULTS:
Findings revealed the significant impact of both physical and psychosocial work environments on migrant women’s health. Unsafe working conditions contributed to injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and in some cases, permanent disabilities. Psychosocial stressors, such as workplace discrimination and harassment, were linked to mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which in turn exacerbated physical health risks. Structural barriers such as restrictive immigration and labor policies, the high cost of healthcare relative to wages, and limited awareness of available health services emerged as key obstacles to help-seeking. Although community networks were identified as vital sources of support, their effectiveness was often undermined by social isolation-particularly among women co-located with their employers.
CONCLUSIONS:
This review underscores the profound health impacts faced by migrant women at the intersection of GBV and precarious employment, revealing that health equity remains an elusive goal, particularly for this vulnerable population group. Urgent policy reforms and targeted programs grounded in a health equity and intersectional lens are essential to address the complex and diverse needs of migrant women to promote their health and well-being.
There has been significant progress in studying gender-based violence (GBV) and precarious employment independently, yet there is paucity of research on their intersection and the health impacts. The objective of this secondary analysis of a scoping review was to synthesize existing literature on this intersection and the associated health impacts among migrant women
METHODS:
Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles in May 2024, with an updated search in May 2025. This secondary analysis was built on all the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the original scoping review, which focused on empirical studies including migrant women, aged 15 years and older, who self-report experiences of GBV and engagement in precarious employment. A total of 29 studies were included for analysis
RESULTS:
Findings revealed the significant impact of both physical and psychosocial work environments on migrant women’s health. Unsafe working conditions contributed to injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and in some cases, permanent disabilities. Psychosocial stressors, such as workplace discrimination and harassment, were linked to mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which in turn exacerbated physical health risks. Structural barriers such as restrictive immigration and labor policies, the high cost of healthcare relative to wages, and limited awareness of available health services emerged as key obstacles to help-seeking. Although community networks were identified as vital sources of support, their effectiveness was often undermined by social isolation-particularly among women co-located with their employers.
CONCLUSIONS:
This review underscores the profound health impacts faced by migrant women at the intersection of GBV and precarious employment, revealing that health equity remains an elusive goal, particularly for this vulnerable population group. Urgent policy reforms and targeted programs grounded in a health equity and intersectional lens are essential to address the complex and diverse needs of migrant women to promote their health and well-being.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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